Our recommendations

Padstow is a charming working fishing port surrounded by glorious sandy beaches, at the head of the Camel River. Watching the everyday ebb and flow of harbour life is a perfect way to spend a day. This foodie destination with popular eateries such as Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant, is the start and end point for the Camel Cycle Trail and a good base for water sports.

Reasons to visit Padstow:

Natural beauty made up of rugged coastline, quiet coves and fabulous walks

Enjoy a fun filled day on the beach with an abundance of activities to try, from rock pooling at low tide, body boarding, learning to surf with a local surf school and of course having a go at building a sand castle

Get access to the beautiful Cornish countryside with a cycle on the famous Camel Trail beginning in Padstow and ending in Wadebridge

Known as one of Cornwall’s great foodie destinations, you can indulge in some of Rick Stein’s fish and chips, sit down in his famous fish restaurant or visit Paul Ainesworth at No.6 for some truly delicious food

Padstow Museum houses an interesting collection of memorabilia giving an insight into the history of Padstow over the past two centuries. You can also discover the story of the famous ‘Obby ‘Oss, the ancient ritual played out in the town every May Day

Take the ferry across the river to the village of Rock, popular with film stars, models and even royalty. From here there are some great walks along the coast to the spectacular beaches of Daymer Bay and Polzeath

Leave Padstow behind in your wake on a white-knuckle ride on a fast speedboat. Pass rugged coastal scenery as you take an exhilarating 15 minute trip out to sea

The local coastal waters offer fantastic fishing on the rocky headlands not to mention the stunning views. For the more adventurous take a trip on a local fisherman’s boat which operate daily throughout the summer

Poldark connection:

For some of the cliff scenes the filming action moved to the Padstow area. Fans of north Cornwall will recognise Levlizzick, and the spectacular views across the Camel Estuary and Tregirls beach.